Just in case anyone is interested, this is what we debated and argued a bit about last week.
We want to be the Best Wine Merchant in the World. Years ago we were labelled 'The Most Successful Wine Merchant on the Planet' but we'd really prefer 'Best' so that's what we are aiming at. Why not? So what must we do to get there?
1) STAY DEEPLY EMBEDDED … We've decided we'll be alright in 2020 if we remember always we must continue to spend plenty of time in vineyards and cellars – both our own and those of our wine producers. It’s always been our way since the 'one man and his van days' and it must always be so. A wine importer can just sit in an office and buy all the wine they need on the phone. I could've done that. But we actually go to the vineyards – always have, always will. The more we know, the better we can do our job. It makes a difference … that you can always taste. So, even more travels.
2) SHARE MORE OF THE EXCITEMENT … We do think we should do more to share the excitement of our vineyard visits – new vintages, new wines etc – with our customers. Wine is much more than a nice taste or a pretty bottle on a shelf; we need to be an all-singing, all-dancing wine circus sort of Company: putting on terrific wine events and experiences; introducing wine producers to wine drinkers; making wine really come alive. So … more shows, more events in more places.
3) KEEP ON WINNING THE TRUST … Of course, it goes without saying that we have to keep up – even improve on – our reputation with our customers. You must see that we always play straight, and that we treasure the long-lasting relationships we enjoy with you. This business only really works if it's 'for life'. We should do even more special stuff for those customers who have been with us for years.
4) EARN MORE RESPECT … This should mean we'll then earn more respect, not only from customers and suppliers, but from the whole wine world. Even journalists. No-one beats us for our expertise, knowledge and hard work. But more people need to know this. Means I must talk to journalists. Start today!
5) STAY FREE … We want – intend – to stay free and independent … to remain totally owned by the family, more or less debt-free – and beholden to none.
6) BE STRONGER … We could always be stronger … tough, resilient, and independent. We must never stop growing healthily and sustainably in interesting ways. Keep on attracting more of the sort of talented young people we have been getting lots of lately. Aim to be the Wine Company talented people would most like to work for.
7) PASS THE BATON CAREFULLY … Finally, nobody here being immortal, we must ensure the baton gets passed on smoothly. Ensure today that the next generation is keen and equipped to take over tomorrow.
8) STAY UP TO DATE … (which is getting beyond some of us already!)
That's it. Blueprint for the next eight years. What d'ya think, then? Any suggestions?
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